Each week, I believe each NFL team has to make 7 players on their active roster "inactive" for that week's game. Why the heck is that? If you make the active squad, why can't you play each and every week?

Does anyone know the origins of this "inactive player" rule and why it even exists?

Makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Fran Farren"Justice Hog"

Newark, DE

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Justice Hog wrote:Each week, I believe each NFL team has to make 7 players on their active roster "inactive" for that week's game. Why the heck is that? If you make the active squad, why can't you play each and every week?

Does anyone know the origins of this "inactive player" rule and why it even exists?

Makes no sense to me whatsoever.

53 Player Roster.
45 Active Players.
8 Inactive Players.

1977
The NFL Players Association and the NFL Management Council ratified a collective bargaining agreement extending until 1982, covering five football seasons while continuing the pension plan-including years 1974, 1975, and 1976-with contributions totaling more than $55 million. The total cost of the agreement was estimated at $107 million. The agreement called for a college draft at least through 1986; contained a no-strike, no-suit clause; established a 43-man active player limit; reduced pension vesting to four years; provided for increases in minimum salaries and preseason and postseason pay; improved insurance, medical, and dental benefits; modified previous practices in player movement and control; and reaffirmed the NFL Commissioner's disciplinary authority. Additionally, the agreement called for the NFL member clubs to make payments totaling $16 million the next 10 years to settle various legal disputes, February 25.

I can recall, somewhere in the back of my mind, that a certain coach and General Manager duo, from the early to mid 80's (whom shall remain nameless), were reputed to be storing talented players on the injured list, only to see them miraculously returned to full health and reactivated the moment they were needed... I seem to recall that many of these roster rules, as we know them today, relate to dealing with the behavior of those scoundrels.